Mahikeng: The North West Department of Health joins communities across the province and the continent in observing African Traditional Medicine Week which is commemorated annually from August 26 to 31. This reaffirms the important role of African Traditional Medicine (ATM) in promoting health, preserving indigenous knowledge and strengthening culturally appropriate healthcare. African Traditional Medicine remains an important component of healthcare for millions of people across Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 80% of the population in the African Region relies on traditional medicine to meet some of their healthcare needs, while South Africa has previously been estimated at around 80% usage. The observance provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs), while promoting responsible use, patient safety, research, documentation and the preservation of indigenous medical knowledge for future generations.

North West Provincial Traditional Health Practitioners Chairperson, Mr Kenneth Mogoeng, said THPs have an important role to play in ensuring that traditional medicine remains a respected and responsible part of the province’s healthcare landscape.

“Traditional Health Practitioners are custodians of knowledge that has been passed from generation to generation. Our responsibility is not only to preserve this knowledge, but also to ensure that it is practised responsibly and in a manner that protects patients. We encourage our practitioners to work with the health system, refer patients when necessary and discourage practices that may place people’s lives at risk. African Traditional Medicine must not be allowed to disappear because of the loss of indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants and traditional practices.”

Mogoeng emphasised the importance of documenting indigenous knowledge and protecting medicinal plant resources from overharvesting and extinction.

He also expressed joy in that the 2024 Regulations are only waiting for promulgation by the Minister of Health . This will allow the regulation and registration by ITHPCSA as per Act No 22 of 2007.

Equally pleasing and worth informing the nation is that WHO AFRO has approved the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day to be commemorated on the 31st August 2026, which is “Reflection on Research and Development Efforts of Traditional Medicine Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the African Region”.

North West MEC for Health, Mr Sello Lehari, said the Department recognises the cultural and healthcare significance of African Traditional Medicine, but cautioned members of the public against self-prescribing traditional remedies or delaying appropriate medical treatment. “We respect the role of African Traditional Medicine and Traditional Health Practitioners in our communities. However, when people are unwell, they should seek advice from an appropriate health practitioner rather than diagnosing themselves or combining different medicines without professional guidance. Some natural substances can have powerful effects, interact with prescribed medicines or be harmful when incorrectly prepared or used. Patients should disclose all medicines and traditional remedies they are using to their healthcare practitioners.”

MEC Lehari also encouraged Traditional Health Practitioners and conventional healthcare professionals to strengthen communication and referral pathways, particularly where patients present with serious or persistent symptoms.

South Africa has established a legislative framework through the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 22 of 2007, which provides for the regulation of traditional health practice and seeks to promote the safety, quality and efficacy of traditional healthcare services, as well as the registration, training and conduct of practitioners. The Department acknowledges that regulation remains an important area requiring continued attention.

Furthermore, the Department supports efforts to strengthen registration, regulation, professional standards, research, quality assurance, pharmacovigilance and collaboration between THPs and biomedical healthcare practitioners. African Traditional Medicine Week also provides an opportunity to confront the risk of losing valuable indigenous knowledge.

The Department calls for the preservation and responsible documentation of traditional medical knowledge, while protecting medicinal plants and biodiversity from unsustainable harvesting. Such knowledge should be preserved with due respect for indigenous communities and the principles of ethical research, intellectual property and benefit-sharing.

The North West Department of Health encourages communities to embrace healthcare choices that are safe, informed and responsible. African Traditional Medicine and modern healthcare should not necessarily be viewed as competing systems; where appropriate, there is an opportunity for safe collaboration, referral and evidence-based integration that places the patient at the centre.

For Media Interviews and Enquiries:

Mr Kenneth Mogoeng Provincial THPs Chairperson 073 629 6070 067 292 3790



Mr Tshegofatso Mothibedi Department Spokesperson 066 260 9496

Mr Tebogo Lekgethwane Director: Media and Communications 067 422 7763

ENDS.